soaloi:Valentine’s Day? No historical connection of this celebration with anyone, much less the ma
soaloi:Valentine’s Day? No historical connection of this celebration with anyone, much less the martyr of that name. Here is the real origin - the Lupercalia of early ancient Rome. Goatskin whips were fashioned for the day, and wielded by young jocks from the noble class running around town naked. Thrilled virgins lined up, cautiously exposing parts of their bodies in theory so blood could be drawn by the whip lashes. In later times, not so completely naked and not so much blood drawn. All this was to encourage fertility. Statue by Conrad Dressler, titled Lupercalia. 1907Walker Art Gallery, Liverpoolphotos by ketrin1407 at flickrShadows brightened to bring forth details. -- source link